Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to vacate his official residence in the Civil Lines area of Delhi within the next two days, according to party sources. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor will be relocating to a new property in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, signaling a significant transition following his resignation from the Chief Ministerial post.
Kejriwal has been actively searching for a residence that is “dispute-free” and conducive to living. AAP officials noted, “Arvind Kejriwal is looking for a property which is dispute-free and there is no problem in living there.” The former Chief Minister is prioritizing a home close to his constituency, as he aims to maintain a strong connection with the local community. Many MLAs, councillors, and party workers have offered their houses to the AAP chief as he navigates this search.
This change comes in the wake of Kejriwal’s resignation on September 17 to Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, amidst the backdrop of the excise policy case that led to his recent incarceration. Following his release on bail, Atishi, a prominent AAP leader, staked a claim to form the new government.
Atishi was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Delhi on September 22, becoming the third woman to hold the position, following Sushma Swaraj and Sheila Dikshit. In a poignant gesture, she placed an empty chair next to her own during the oath-taking ceremony, symbolizing her connection to Kejriwal. “This chair belongs to Arvind Kejriwal. Today I took charge as the CM of Delhi. Today I have the same pain in my heart as Bharat ji had. Just like Bharat ji worked by keeping Lord Shri Ram’s sandals, I will take charge as CM for the next four months,” she stated, expressing her belief that Kejriwal would return to power in the upcoming assembly elections.
Kejriwal himself has conveyed that he is open to returning to the Chief Ministerial role only if he receives a renewed mandate and a “certificate of honesty” from the people of Delhi in the assembly polls, which are likely scheduled for February 2025.
As Kejriwal prepares for this move, his next steps and the political landscape in Delhi remain closely watched by party supporters and political observers alike.